Inlays & Onlays
Dentist in Doral, FL
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair teeth with moderate damage or decay that do not require a full dental crown. An inlay restores the damaged area within the grooves of the tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps to provide additional strength and protection. Made from durable, tooth-colored materials, they preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns while restoring function, strength, and a natural-looking smile. At Healthy Smiles Doral, Dr. Maria H. Figueredo recommends inlays and onlays as a conservative solution to protect your teeth and provide long-lasting results.
Family Dental Care in Doral, FL
Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays combine strength, aesthetics, and conservative treatment.
- Preserve more natural tooth structure – Unlike crowns, inlays and onlays require less removal of healthy tooth enamel.
- Exceptional durability – Custom restorations are designed to withstand normal chewing forces for many years.
- Natural appearance – Porcelain restorations are carefully matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
- Strengthen weakened teeth – Inlays and onlays reinforce damaged teeth while reducing the risk of future fractures.
- Precise custom fit – Each restoration is individually fabricated for optimal comfort, function, and longevity.
- Long-lasting restoration – With proper care, inlays and onlays can provide excellent performance for many years.
What to Expect from Inlays & Onlays
Treatment usually requires two appointments. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared, any damaged structure is removed, and digital impressions are taken to create your custom restoration. At the second appointment, the inlay or onlay is checked for fit, color, and bite before being permanently bonded to the tooth, restoring strength, function, and a natural appearance.
- Two-visit treatment – Your custom restoration is designed from precise digital impressions for an accurate fit.
- Natural, durable results – The final restoration is permanently bonded to provide long-lasting strength and seamless aesthetics.
Our Approach to Inlays & Onlays
At Healthy Smiles Doral, we focus on preserving natural teeth whenever possible by recommending conservative restorative treatments that provide long-term success. Dr. Maria H. Figueredo carefully evaluates each case and creates a personalized treatment plan using high-quality materials and precise techniques to restore strength, function, and aesthetics while maintaining as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Frequently
asked questions
What's the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits inside the chewing surface of the tooth between the cusps, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps to provide additional protection for a weakened tooth.
Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
For larger areas of decay or damage, yes. Inlays and onlays are stronger, more durable, and provide a more precise fit than large composite fillings.
Do I need a crown instead of an onlay?
Not always. If enough healthy tooth structure remains, an onlay may provide the protection you need while preserving more of your natural tooth than a crown.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, porcelain inlays and onlays often last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Does the procedure hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment.
Can an old filling be replaced with an inlay or onlay?
Yes. Teeth with large, worn, or failing fillings are often excellent candidates for these custom restorations.
How do I care for my inlay or onlay?
Brush twice daily, floss every day, avoid chewing excessively hard objects such as ice, and continue attending routine dental examinations and cleanings to help maximize the lifespan of your restoration.